After using 4 Microsoft 365 alternatives for a month, one is a clear winner

Beginning his professional journey in the tech industry in 2018, Yash spent over three years as a Software Engineer. After that, he shifted his focus to empowering readers through informative and engaging content on his tech blog – DiGiTAL BiRYANi. He has also published tech articles for MakeTechEasier. He loves to explore new tech gadgets and platforms.  When he is not writing, you’ll find him exploring food. He is known as Digital Chef Yash among his readers because of his love for Technology and Food.

Microsoft 365 is popular, but paying for it isn't the only way to get your office work done. There are plenty of alternatives, and some offer more than enough tools for everyday use. I wanted to see which ones were actually worth switching to, so I spent a month trying four office suites. I looked at how they felt to use, what they offered, and whether I could see myself using them regularly. Some impressed me in different ways, but one stood out from the rest.

LibreOffice

A powerful office suite with an old-school feel

LibreOffice was the first office suite I tried, and its old-school interface was the first thing I noticed. The menus, toolbars, and overall layout reminded me of traditional desktop software. It doesn't have the modern look of some newer office suites, but I found it easy enough to navigate once I got used to the layout.

I started with Writer for my regular writing tasks, then explored Calc and Impress for spreadsheets and presentations. All three apps offered plenty of tools for everyday work. I could format documents, work with formulas, create charts, and put together presentations without needing additional software.

Another thing I appreciated was the level of control LibreOffice gave me. I could adjust settings to suit my workflow and keep working with my files without relying on an internet connection. The software also supports a wide range of file formats, including Microsoft Office formats.

After using it for a while, I understood why LibreOffice remains popular among people who prefer traditional desktop applications. It may look old-school, but it is a capable office suite with plenty to offer.

WPS Office

A polished alternative with a few catches

WPS Office felt different from LibreOffice because its interface felt much closer to Microsoft Office. The ribbon layout, familiar menus, and tabbed documents made it easy for me to jump between files without opening multiple windows. I didn't have to spend much time figuring out where the usual tools were.

I spent most of my time working with Writer, Spreadsheets, and Presentation. The apps covered my regular office needs, and I particularly liked having PDF tools built into the same suite. It was convenient to open documents, make quick edits, and handle PDFs without switching between different applications.

WPS Office also offers plenty of templates, which came in handy when I wanted to create a document or presentation without starting from scratch. The overall experience felt polished, especially for someone moving from Microsoft Office.

However, I did notice that some features were locked behind a paid plan, and promotional elements occasionally interrupted the otherwise smooth experience. That didn't make the suite unusable, but I kept it in mind during testing.

FreeOffice

When you just need the basics done

FreeOffice was the third office suite I tried, and I liked how straightforward it felt. Developed by SoftMaker, it includes TextMaker for documents, PlanMaker for spreadsheets, and Presentations for slideshows. The three apps cover the basics without making the experience feel unnecessarily complicated.

I spent most of my time in TextMaker, where I could write and format documents using familiar tools. PlanMaker was useful for handling spreadsheets, while Presentations gave me enough options to put together simple slides. I also liked that the interface was clean and didn't overwhelm me with too many options at once.

Another advantage was its desktop-focused approach. I could install the suite on my PC and work on my files without depending on a browser. It also supports Microsoft Office file formats, making it easier to exchange documents with people who use Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Of course, FreeOffice has a more limited feature set than some larger office suites, and its collaboration options aren't its strongest point. Still, I found it a practical choice for everyday office tasks, especially if you prefer a simple desktop experience over an extensive productivity ecosystem.

OnlyOffice

The one office suite I kept coming back to

OnlyOffice was the last office suite I tried, and it quickly became my favorite. Its modern interface felt clean and familiar, with a ribbon layout that made it easy to find the tools I needed. Unlike some alternatives, I didn't feel like I had to change my workflow just to get comfortable with the software.

I spent most of my time testing its document editor, spreadsheet editor, and presentation tools. What stood out was how closely the editing experience matched what I was used to in Microsoft Office. I could work with documents, manage spreadsheets, and build presentations without feeling that I was missing essential tools. It also handled Microsoft Office file formats well in my everyday tests.

Another thing I liked was the flexibility. OnlyOffice offers desktop apps for local work, plus cloud and self-hosted options for people who want collaboration or more control over their documents. That makes it useful for different types of users, rather than just those who work entirely online.

Overall, the OnlyOffice experience felt balanced. After trying all four suites, OnlyOffice was the one I enjoyed using the most and could genuinely see myself sticking with.

I finally found my favorite Microsoft 365 alternative

After using these four office suites for a month, I found that each has something useful to offer. But for me, OnlyOffice was the best overall choice. It gave me the tools I needed without complicating things. The other options are worth trying too, depending on what you need. But if you're tired of paying for Microsoft 365 and want something different, I'd suggest giving OnlyOffice a try. It might become your new favorite, too.